Ingredients
For the Pepper Rolls
- 6 red or yellow bell peppers (or a mix), cut into 1-inch wide strips
- 1 lb ground meat
- 1/4 lb mortadella
- 1/4 lb cooked ham
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Peppers
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). To make the bell peppers easier to cut and roll, soften them first by placing 2–3 at a time in a small plastic bag and heating them in the microwave for 2–3 minutes. The steam will soften them and make them easier to handle. Cut them into long 1-inch strips.
Prepare the Filling
Process the mortadella and cooked ham in a mixer or blender until finely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl and add the ground meat, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix well, then season with salt and pepper.
Shape the Rolls
Spread a small amount of the meat filling over each bell pepper strip using the back of a spoon. Starting from one end, roll each strip up tightly into a small roll. Secure each roll with one or two toothpicks.
Bake
Pour enough extra virgin olive oil into a baking tray to lightly coat the bottom. Arrange the pepper rolls in a single layer, close to each other, with the filling visible from the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before serving. These are excellent served warm as an appetizer or light meal.